'O CCAS ON.AL PAPER NO. 236

ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA


OCCASIONAL PAPER NO. 236

RECORDS OF THE
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids and ~nsects in
relation to their usage as drugs among the tribals of
Sundarbans, West Bengal, India

s.c. Majumder
and
A.Dey
Zoological Survey of India, Canning Town, South 24 Pargan as, West Bengal, India

Edited by the Directol; Zoological Survey of India, KolkC!ta

~~

Zoological Survey of India
Kolkata


CITATION

Majumder, S.C. and Dey, A. 2005. Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids and insects in relation
to their usage as drugs among the tribals of Sundarbans, West Bengal, India, Rec. zool. Surv. India,
Occ. Paper No. 236 : 1-38. (Published by the Director, Zool Surv. India, Kolkata).

Published: July, 2005
ISBN: 81-8171-072-X

© Government of India, 2005

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
•

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted, in any from or by any means, electronic. mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher.

•

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade, be lent,
re-sold hired out or otherwise disposed of without the publisher's consent, in any
form of binding or cover other than that in ·which it is published.

•

The correct price of this publication is the price printed on this page. Any revised
price indicated by a rubber stamp or by a sticker or by any other means is incorrect
and should be unacceptable.

PRICE
India: Rs. 100.00
Fo reign : $ 7 £ 5

Published at the Publication Division by the Director, Zoological Survey of India, 234/4,
A. J. C. Bose Road, 2nd MSO Building (13th Floor), Nizam Palace" Kolkata - 700020 and prln.ted

at Krishna Printing Works, 106, Vivekananda Road, Kolkata - 700 006.


Records of the
Zoological Survey of India
Occasional Paper
No. 236

2005

1-38

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... I
MATERIAL AND METHOD ..................................................................................................... 2
1 Argioope pulchella Thorell ............................................................................................ 3
2. Nephila maculata (Fabricus) ........................................................................................ 3
3. Neoscona mukerjei Tikader ........................................................................................... 4
4. Cyrtohora cicatrosa (Stoliczka) ..................................................................................... 5
5. Cheiracanthium melanostoma Therell ........................................................................... 6
6. Cheiracanthium himalayensis Gravely .......................................................................... *7
7. Pardosa birmanica Simon ............................................................................................. 7
8. Lycosa choudhuryi Tolader ................................................ 7............................................ 8
9. Heteropoda venatoria (Linnaeus) .................................................................................. 9
10. Spariolenus tigris Simon ............................................................................................. 10

II. Phidippus bengalensis Tikader .............................................................................-....... 10
12. -Marpissa bengalesis Tikader ........................................................................................ II
13. Crossoprhiza lyoni (Blackwall) .................................................................................... 12
14. Artema atlenta Walekenaer ...............................................................................•.......... 13

15. Heterometrus (Heterometrus) bengalensis (Koch) ....................................................... 13
16. Heterometrus (Srilanka metrus) servatus (Pocock) .................................................... 14
17. Coccinella transversalis Fabricius ............................................................................... 15
18. Harmonia arcuata Fabricius ........................................................................................ 15
19. Micraspis discolor (Fabricius) .................................................................................... 16
20. Mylabris phalerata (Pallas) ......................................................................................... 17
21. Mylabris pustulata (Thunberg) ................................................................................... 17
22. Lllciola Sp .................................................................................................................... 18


(tv)

23. Ocecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius) ....................................................................... 19
24. Tetraponera rufonigra (Jerdon) ............................................................................... 20
25. Canlponotus compress us (Fabricius) ........................................................................ 21
26. Solenopsis geminata (Smith) ................................................................................... 21
27. Vespa (Vespa) basalis (Smith) ................................................................................. 22
28. Vespa (Vespa) bicolor Fabricius ......................................................................

0 .......

23

29. Vespa (Vespa) oriantaUs Linnaeus ........................................................................... 24
30. Vespa "(Vespa) tropica tropica

(Linna~us)

.................. ~ ............................................ 25


31. Apis indica Fabricius ............................................................................................... 26
32. Apis drosata Fabricius .............................................................................................. 27
33. Chrysocoris perpureus (Westwood) ......................................................................... 28
34. Cimes talectlilaria Linnaeus ..................................................................................... 28
35. Cinlex macrocephalus Fabricius ............................................................................... 29
36. Clovia puncta Fabricius ........................................................................................... 30
37. Lucilia cuprina Wiedemann ..................................................................................... 31
38. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) ....................................................................... 32
39. Ceriagrion coromandelanum (Fabricius) ................................................................. 32
40. Pediculus humanus capitis ..................... ................

0

0

••••••••

41. Blata orientalis Linnaeus ............................................

0

0"

0.00.

0

••••••

0


0.00

•••••••••••••••••••

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

33
34

OBSERVATION, RESULT AND DISCUSSION ................................................................... 35
IMPLICATION FOR MEDICAL PRACTICE ............................... ...................................... 36
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .....................................................................

0

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

37

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 37


INTRODUCTION

Sundarbans is composed of a group of Islands coruprising the area from the mouth of
river Hoogly on the west and extends up to the river Meghna in the east covering from
districts North and South 24 Parganas within the- Indian territory and Khulna and Barisal in
Bangladesh. It lies between 21.0 and 2 1.20 North latitude 88.0 and 89.0 longitudes occupying
an area of 9827 Sq. Km. of which 4264 Sq. Km. falls within the jurisdiction of India. The

name Sundarban derives from the "Sundari tree" which is prominent in the area. Vegetation
includes wet evergreen mangrove forest. The area is divided into three zones : i) Inhabited
zone ii) Buffer zone and iii) Core area. The study area includes only in the inhabited zone
under two districts North and South 24- Parganas, West Bengal, India. Mainly three types
of tribal population live in the inhabited zone of Sundarban namely Munda, Oraon and
Santhal. According to the census of 290 I, the recorded tribal populations in the 24 Parganas
(South), Santhal, Oraon and Munda approximately, 1922 in the Kakdwip Division; 574
Oraon and Santhal in Namkhana Block; 1922 Santl)al, Munda and Oraon in Patharpratima
Division; 4406 Santhal and Munda in the Kultali Division, 850 Santhal and Munda in
Joynagar II, only 22 Santhal if. Joynagar I, 10,847 Santhal in the Canning II, 2,834 Munda
and Santhal in Canning I; 305 Santhal and Munda in Mathurapur Block-I; 2. 847 Santhal in
Mathurapur Block-II, 59 I Munda in Sagar Island and in the Gosaba where the largest tribal
population 19,683 Munda, Santhal and Oraon. In 24-Parganas (North) Minakhan, Haroa,
Hingalgunge and Hasnabad Blocks, 19245 Munda, Santhal and Oraon population inhabits in
these area. Altogether approximately 8 I ,000 tribal population inhabited in the Sundarban
inhabited zones. The survey was carried out mainly in these inhabited areas to collect the
data of ethnomedicinal uses of arachnids and insect by these'tribal people. No consolated
work yet has been available on ethnomedicinal uses of arachnid and insect. Although some
fragmentary were available dealing with the medicinal arachnids and insects with some
ethnomedicinal notes outside of India. Ferrington (1834) made taxonoluic and ethnomedicinal
studies on 10 species of spiders, 2 species of Hymenoptera, I species of Coleoptera and
1 species of Hemiptera and recorded their uses among the people of rural areas of America.
Furt~er investigation of the insect and arachnid species. Ferrington established the uses of
these species in the hOlnoeopathic system of medicine. Nowadays these drugs establ ished
in the homoeopathic system of Indian Pharmacopia and still going on as glorious drug in
the tuodern society. Bingham (1903) reported that in the rural areas of Europe neuralgic or
nerve debility were also treated by biting up of some bees and wasp (HYlnenoptera).
Savoray (1935.) stated that in rural areas of Europe and America injecting scorpion's blood
(Arachnids) treated various types of pulmonary troubles. He also stated that Jaundice and
Constipation were treated by eaten up of tarentulas spider (Falnily Lycosidae). Gertch

(1945) reported Gout and Rheumatism were also treated by rubbing up theridiid spiders in
some areas of Europe and America. He also stated the use of silk of certain spiders nalnely
Aranea diadema (Family Araneidae) stop the blood in recent cutting wound, in some rural


2

Rec. zool. Surv. India. Occ. Paper No. 236

areas of Europe and America. Ioyrish (1974) reported gastric ulcer and various types of
wounds were also treated by honeybee's product (Hymenoptra) in some areas of Soviet
Russia. Newlands and Akinson (1988) worked on the spider venom of families Clubianidae,
Loxoscebdae and Theraphosidae from south Africa.
Tikadar (1968) made a taxonomic studies on some mygalomorph spiders (posses venom),
falnily Ctenizidae and Theraphosidae from India. Tikader (1987) reported some phidippus
spiders from Gujarat posses lethal venom which is not harmful to human being. Majumder
(1987) made a biological study on, some tarentulas spiders and reported 12 species of
arachnids used as a drug in the homoeopathic system of Medicine. Recently Majumder and
Mridha (2004) reported two medicinal spiders of the family Clubionidae and Lycosidae in
Joelation to their usage as drugs among the tribal inhabited zone of Sundarban, West bengal.
They also made pathological observations, uses of the spiders as drug in the system of
Indian hOlnoeopathic pharmcopia. The drug was prepared in the proportion 1 : 9 i.e. I part
spider's products/powders of spiders and 9 parts rectified spirit. The spider product or drug
was used orally to the domestic fouls (Gallus gallus). After administration of these drugs
to the domestic fowl pathologically shown the increase of Lymphocyte and Eosinophil in
one case. In the other cases shown the decrease of Neutrophil. T,hese pathological observations
are tallying with the Ethnomedicinal usage of drug of the tribal people.
The present paper deals with medicinal importance of arachnids and insects and their
uses as drug by the tribal of Sundarbans. This work also includes the habitat of the species
of arachnids c;tnd insects used as medicine by the tribal people, the places of collection, part

of the anilnal used as' medicine, method of preparation of medicine and the application of
the saIne" the type of diseases cured and the name of tribes used the medicine.

MATERIAL AND METHOD
Surveys were undertaken to the different tribal areas of Sundarbans in different times.
The infonnation were collected from the tribal peoples after meeting them in data sheets
with the infonnation of the animals used for medicine, area of collection method of
preparation of Inedicine collection, uses and the symptoms and remedies of diseases at
different times. The similar information also collected from the local B.D.O. ofDce and
nearby health centers for comparisn. The sample of the animals and plants used for the
Inedicine were collected and brought to the laboratory for identification of species.
The Inedicinal infonnation general1y collected from a particular person who is well
equipped of tTIedical appliances of insect, plant and animal of a particular area called
8aidyaraj or HakitTI. All the medicinal application generally collected frotTI the ethnomedicinal
Inan of the tribal people.


MAJUMDER AND DEY: Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ...

~V.B ..

India

3

Class ARACHNIDA
Order ARANEAE

I. Argioope pulchella Thorell


Diagnosis : 7 to 12 '-rom long, yellowish brown in colour. Distributed in all parts of
Inangrove and semi mangrove areas of sundarbans. They spin web.
Method of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

1. Web of the spiders power
mixed with Durba root
(Cynodon dactylon).

Applied
locally to stop
haemorrhages

Santhal

2. Web of the spiders mixed

Munda

with the leafjuice of Kuksima
(Bll/mea odorata).

Applied
locally to stop

the b feed ing
of Piles.

3. Spider dry powder mixed
\vith stein bark powder of
Punarnaba (Boerhaavia
diffusa) taken with honey.

Applied in the
case of dry
cough and
Coryza.

Oraon

4. Spider dry powder mixed
with leaf juice of Muktajhuri
(Acalypha indica). A piece
of cotton saturated with the
juice and inserted into the
nostril.

For cure of
congestive
headache and
to stop the
bleeding of
nostril.

Santhal


Place

Districts

Chottamollakhali,
Gosaba

24- Parganas

Hemnagar,
Hingalgunj

24- Parganas

Sadhupur,
Gosaba

24- Parganas

J,\mlamethi,
Gosaba

24- Parganas

(South)

\

(North)


(South)

(South)

2. Nephila maculata (Fabricus)

Habitat : Belongs to the family Araneidae, found in mangrove and selni mangrove areas
of Sundarbans. 'They spin web, easily collected from the web from the mangrove or selni
Inangrove bushes.


Rec. zool. Surv. India, Occ. Paper No. 236

4

Mode of preparation of
Illedicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

5. The spinneret part of

spider was separated from the
spider, dried up and makes
into powders. The powder
lnixed with leafjuice of Tulasi

For cure of
Intermittent
Fever.

Oraon

Bhangar

24-Parganas
(South)

Applied
locally in case
of Paralysis.

Munda

Sagar Island

24:.Parganas
(South)

Taken in the
case of blood
vomiting


Munda

Kaorakhali,
Kultali

24-Parganas
(South)

Used in the
case of
children who
are intolerable
to milk.

Munda

Dakhin
gangadharpur,
Patharpratima

24- Parganas
(South)

(OCiI11UI11 sanctum).

6. Carapace and Cheliceral
parts of the spider dried up
and makes into powder,
mixed with seed-powder of

Shephalika (Nyctanthes
arbor-Irislis).

7. Spider dust Inixed with root
dust of Patal
(Trichosanthes dioica).

8. Spider dust mixed with cow
1l1ilk.

3. Neoscona mukerjei Tikader
Habitat Belongs to family Araneidae, spin web, found in Inangrove and selni-lnangrove
areas of Sundarbans. They were collected from the web in the mangrove and selni ·tnangrove
bushes, sOlnetimes from the huts of the tribal peoples.

Mode of preparation of
Inedicine

9. The spinneret part of the
spider was dried up in the
sun and Inakes into powders,
lnixed with leaf juice of
Titpolla (Luffa amara).

Name of the
tribes

Place

Uses for

Munda and
en largement Oroan
of liver and
fever even in
the case of
Kala-azar.

Rajatduli,
Gosaba

Uses/type of
disease

Districts

24-Parganas
(South)


MAJUMDER AND DEY

Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ... WB., India

5

Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease


Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

10. "The spider powder mixed
with seed powder of Titpolla
(Lu/fa anlara) to be taken
with honey.

Applied in the
case of
Diuretic and
as Purgative
to children.

Santhal

Chottomo lIakhali, Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)

II. Spider dust mixed with
root dust of Kule Khara
(Hygrophila spinosa) and
honey.


Massage on
forehead In
the case of
Insomnia.

Munda

Chimaguri,
Sagar Island

24-Parganas
(South)

12. Spider dust mixed with
leaf juice of Dulal Tulasi

Taken in the
case of blood
Dysentery.

Oraon

Bhangar

24-Parganas
(South)

(Ocimum caryophyllatum).


4. Cyrto/tora cicatrosa (Stoliczka)
Habitat : Belongs to the falnily Araneidae, found both in mangrove bushes as well as
tribal houses; spin webs and reside in the web.

Place

Districts

Mode of preparation of
Inedicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

13. The spinneret part of
spiders were separated from
the cephalic region and dried
up in the sun and makes
dust. The dust mixed with
Chirata (Gentiana chirata).

Applied in the
case of
chronic fever
during rainy
season.


Oroan

Jharkhali,
Basanti

24-Parganas
(South)

14. The cheliceral or cephalic
part of spider taken, dried up
and powder mixed with
Tomato .juice (So/anilln

Applied for
nerve debility.

Santhal

Jharkhali,
Basanti

24-Parganas
(South)

/ycopersicunl ).


Rec. zool. Surv. India, Dcc. Paper No. 236

6


Mode of preparation of
Incdicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

15. Spider dust mixed with
honeybee's product. Applied
locally on forehead.

Used in the
case of
chronic
headache

Munda

Sahebkhal i,
Hingalgunj

24-Parganas
(North)


16. Spider dust· mixed with
root dust of Thankuni
(Hydrocotyle asiatica), used
locally with mustard oil.

Used in the
case of
Erysipelas,
redness of
skin.

Munda

Sitalea,
Hingalgunj

24-Parganas
(North)

5. Cheiracant/lium melanostoma Therell

Belongs to the family Clubionidae; do not spin web. They made white tubular
sac. Hence they are called sac spider. Found on leaf of the paddy plant and mangrove and
selni Inangrove bushes.
Habitat

Mode of preparation of
Inedicine


Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

17. The spider were dried up
and powder tnixed with
honey in the proportion of 1
9 i.e. ] part of spider powder
and 9 part of honey.

Taken in the
case of
Cardiac
troubles.

Munda

Hemnagar,
HingaJgunj

24-Parganas
(North)

18. Powder dust of spiders
Inixed with milky juice of Bot
tree. (FiclIs

Applied

locally in the
case of sore
and foul
Ulcer.

Munda

Jeliakhali,
Sandeskhal i

24-Parganas
(North)

19. The spider dust mixed
\vith leaf of Apamarga
(Achyranthes aspera) made
of pest. Applied locally on
the affected part

Applied
locally on the
dropsical
parts of the
body.

Santhal

Balli II,
Gosaba


24-Parganas
(South)

10. The spider dust mixed

Used for
meassage In
the case of
Rheumatism.

Oraon

Sambhunagar,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)

hegalensis).

\vith

Nim

seed

(Azadirachta indica).

oil


Place

Districts


t\1i\.JUM.DER AND DEY: Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids '"

WB"

India

7

6. Clleiracalltllium IIimaiayellsis Gravely
Habitat: Belongs to the family Clubionidae, do not spin web. They made white tubular
·~c.

Hence they are called sac spider. Found on the leaf of the paddy plant and occasionally
nJangrove and semi mangrove bushes.
Mode of preparation of
Incdicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

21. The cheliceral and
cephal ic part separated, dried

up and powder, mixed with
bark dust of Akanda
(ea/alrapis gigantea) in the
proportion 1 : 9.

Applied
locally with
mustard oil in
case of
Rheumatism.

Santhal

22. The spinneret parts of the
spider separated and dried
up and posder, mixed with
honey.

Applied in a
case of
recurnng
Cold and
Cough.

23. The spider powder mixed
\v ith dust of Shephal ika

Place

Districts


Chhottamollakhali,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas

Munda

Bokkhali,
Namkhana.

24-Parganas
(South)

In the case of
Paralysis.

Munda

Jeliakhali,
Sandeshkha Ii.

24-Parganas
(North)

Applied in the
case of
Insomania
and Epi lepsy.


Munda

Kuminnari,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)

(South)

(/Vvclanlhes arbor-Iris/is),

llsed locally with mustard oil
on the affected part.
24. The smoke of the spider
\\'ith Ninl leaf (Azadirachta
indica) use on the nostri I.

7. Partlosa birmanica Simon
Hahitat : Belongs to the falnily Lycosidae. They are ground dwelling, essential predator

or variolls

types of insect pest; found on the paddy and corn fields.

j\') od c

of preparation of
Inedicine


Uses/ty pe 0 f
disease

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

25, The spiders dried up and

Taken dai Iy in
the morning
in case of
Asthma.

Munda

Sandeshkhal i

24-Parganas
(North)

po\vder, mixed with ripe
banana (Iv/usa sepientunl).


Rec. zoo!. Surv. India, Oee. Paper No. 236


8

Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

16. The living spider pushed
into the ripe banana (Musa
sepientum). After 2-3 hours
it is eaten. This process
continues for two weeks.

For cure of
Bronchitis.

Santhal

Hingalgunj,
lharkhali

24- Parganas
(North &
South)

27. The whole spider is dried

up and powders, mixed with
\",hite milky substance of
Slnveta Akanda (Calotropis

Applied for
Toothache.

Munda

Raj ballavpur,
Patharpratima

24- Parganas
(South)

Applied
locally in the
case ·of
Rheumatism
and arterial
sclerosis.

Santhal

Bipradaspur,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)


Place

Districts

I aclllll1 ).

28. The spider dust Inixed
\vith seed oil of Haritaki
(Tenllinalia chebula).

8. Lycosa choudhury; Tolader

Habitat Belongs to the family Lycosidae, ground dweller, essential predator of varous
kinds of insect pests, found on the ground of paddy and corn fields, sOlnetitnes in the river
beds also.
Mode of preparation of the
luedicine

Uses/ty pe 0 f
disease

Name of the.
tribes

29. The spider dried up and
po\vder, Inixed with dust of
Olat kalnbal root (Abron1a
radix) in the proportion 1 : 9
e.g one part spider powder
\vith nine parts of dust Olat

kanlbal root.

Applied in the
case of
Diabetes.

Santhal

30. Cheliceral part of the
spider separated and dried
up, powder and Inixed with
bark
dust
of
Nim

Applied in the
case of
pOisonous
ulcer.

Oraon

(A=adirachta indica).

Place

Uchal,
Minakhan


Minkhan,

Districts

24-Parganas
(North)

24- Parganas
(North)


MAJUMDER AND DEY

Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ... fV,B., India

Mode of preparation of the
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

31 Spinneret part of the
spider separated and dried
up made in powder mixed
with root bark dust of Olat
kambal (Abroma radix). To
be taken twice daily.


Applied in the
case of
Dysmenonhoea

Santhal

32. Spider powder mixed with
seed powder of Ku Ie Khara
(Hygrophila spinosa). To be
used once at night.

Applied in the
case of
Insomnia.

Santhal

Place
S~tjelia,

9

Districts

Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)


Purandar,
Basanti.

24-Parganas
(South)

9. Heteropoda venatoria (Linnaeus)
Habitat: Belongs to the family Heteropodidae; found on mangrove and semi mangrove
bushes, occasionally ih houses or huts of some tribal people; do not spin web.
Mode of preparation of
l11edicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

33. The spi~ers were ·dried
up and powdered. The
powder mixed with' N im oil
(Azadirachta indica) in the
proportion of 1 9 and applied
locally.

In the case of

acute
Rheumatism.

Santhal

Amlamethi,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

34. Spider powder mixed with
the leaf juice of Bhat

Applied for
worms of
children.

Santhal

Sadhupur

24- Parganas

Applied in the
case of high
blood
Pressure

Munda


In the case of
Psoriasis.

Oraon

( Clerodendon
injortunatzlIll ).
35. Spider powder mixed with

stein bark powder of
Punarnava (Boerhaavia
diffilsa). To. be taken twice
daily
36. The spider dust mixed

with leaf juice of Thankuni
(Hydocotyle asiatica). Use
. locally on affected part of
skin.

(South)

Pathankhal i

Purandar,
Basanti

24-Parganas
(South)


24-Parganas
(South)


Rec. zoo!. Surv. India, Dec. Paper No. 236

I0

10. Spariolenus tigris Simon
Belongs to the family Heteropodidae; do not spin web; found in the bushes as
well as house or hut of the tribal people.
Habitat

Mode of preparation of
Inedicine

Uses/type of
disease

Place

Name of the
tribes

37. The living spider pushed In the case of Munda
into the ripe banana (Musa good lactation
sepientum) and taken once of mother of
in a day
new born baby.


Districts

Hemnagar,
Hingalgunj.

24-Parganas
(North)

Kultali

24-Parganas
(South)

38. The spider dried up and
tnade powder; mixed with the
root powder of Durba
(Cynodon dactylon) use
once in a day.

Applied for
Leucorrhoea.

Munda

39. Spider mixed with ghee or
111ilky juice of Bot tree (Ficus
bengalensis ). Used locally on

Applied for

Toothache.

Munda

Kalisthan,
. Namkhana.

24-Parganas
(South)

40. Spider powder mixed with
fruit powder of Kule Khara
('Hygrophila spinosa). Taken
once in a day

Applied for
Insomnia.

Santhal

Lahiripur,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

41. Spider dust nlixed with
Gulancha dust (Tinospora
cordi/olia). To be taken once
daily after delivery.


Applied for
purification of
breast milk in
case of the
mother of
newborn baby.

Munda

Harobhanga,
Canning

24-Parganas
(South)

gUtTI.

--------------------~----------~----------~----------~----------

11. PIlidippus bellgalensis Tikader

Belongs to the falnily Selticidae; do not spin web. They catch their prey by
jUlnping hence called· Jumping Spider. They are found in mangrove and semi mangrove
bushes; sometimes in the flower garden.
Habitat


MAJUMDER AND DEY: Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ... It'.B., India


11

Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

42. The cheliceral and

Applied in the
case of
gangrlneous
Ulcer.

Oraon

Amlamethi,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

43. Spinneret part separated
and dried up made powder,
mixed with Haritaki dust
(Te,.,ninalia chebula).

Taken in the
case of

Vertigo and
Constipation.

Munda

Kumirmari,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

44. Spider powder mixed with
seed powder of Chandra
(Ralilvolfia serpentina). To
be taken twice daily.

Applied in the
case of
Insomnia and
high blood
pressure.

Santhal

Satjelia,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)


carapace part are separated
and dried up, made powder,
mixed with powder dust of
root bark of Akanda
(Calotropis gigantea), used
as an external application.

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

I

45. Spider powder dust mixed
\vith seed powder of
Sephalika (Nyctanthes arborIristis).

Applied in the
case of
Dandruff.

Oraon

24-Pargan
(South)

Kumrakhali

Canning II

~S

12. Marpissa bellgalensis Tikader

Habitat Belongs to the family Selticidae. They do not spin web; catch their prey by
jUlnping hence are called Jumping Spider; found in houses as well as paddy field and flower
gardens.
Mode of preparation of
Dledicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Districts

Place
I

46. Whole of the spider dried
up and made powder; mixed
with the stem bark of Olat
Kaillbal (Abronla augusla).

Applied in the
case of

Vertigo and
Impotence.

Santhal

Sambhunagar,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)


I2

Rec. zool. Surv. India, Occ. Paper No. 236

Mode of preparation of
Inedicine

Uses/type of
disease

47. The spider dust mixed
with the leaf juice of Bhat

Applied in the
case of
intestinal
Colic or wonn
troubles.


Oraon

Pathankhali,
Gosaba

24 .. Parganas
(South)

48. The spider dust. mixed
with leaf juice of Tulsi
(Oci/nun1 sanctum).

Applied in the
case of
Tonsillitis and
Earache.

Santhal

Amtoli,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)

49. The spider powder mixed
with Sephalika (Nyctanthes

Applied in the Santhal

case of Nausea,
Vomiting and
Headache.

Patikhali,
Canning II

24-Parganas
(South)

(Clerodendron
infortunatum ).

arbor-Iristis).

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

] 3. Crossoprlliza lyon; (Blackwall)
Habitat

Belongs to the family Pholcidae. They were found in the houses

In

upright


position.

Mode of preparation of
111cdicine
50. The legs of spider

detached and pushed in ripe
banana (Mlisa sepientunl).
Taken orally.

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Applied in the Munda
case lactation
of mother of
newborn baby.

Place

Districts

Patharpratima

24-Parganas
(South)


5 I. The spider powder mixed
\vith root powder of Olat
Kanlbal (A bronla radix),
taken orally.

In the case
Diabetes.

Santhal

Satjelia,
Gosaba.

24-Parg lnas
(South)

52. Spider dusts mix with
stem bark of Punarnava
(Boerhaavia dif!usa), taken
orally.

In the case of
Nausea and
Vomiting.

Santhal

Satjelia,
Gosaba.


24-Parganas
(South)

53. The spider dust mixed
\vith leaf dust of Nim
(A:adirachta indica). Use

For Pyorrhoea Santhal
and gum
troubles.

Sahebkhal i,
Hingalgunj.

24-parganas
(Sollth)

locally on gum and teeth.


MAJUMDER AND DEY

~tlldies

on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ... WB., India

13

14. Artema. atlenta Walekenaer

Habitat: Belongs to the family Pholcidae. The spider hanging in the houses or buts of
tribal p'eople. They. are found hanging head directed downwards.

Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

54. The spider powder mixed
with root bark powder of N im
(Azadirachta indica) in the
proportio.n 1 : 9

Taken in the
case of weak
memory.

Munda

55. Cephalic parts of the
spider dried up and
powdered, mixed with fruit
of Kantikari
powder

Applied in the

case of lose of
vOice or
Hoarseness.

56. The sineret part of spider
dried up and made powder,
mixed with leaf juice of
Ashwattha (Ficus religiosa)
57. The spinnert part of

Place

Districts

Chingrikhali,
Hingalgunj

24-Par~anas

Santhal

Dautpur,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)

Applied In
case of losing
flesh of fatty

women.

Santhal

Hiramba
gopalp ur,
Patharpratima

24-Parganas
(South)

Applied in the
case of
Epistaxis.

Oraon

Da~hinganga

24-Parganas
(South)

(South)

(SolanUl11 xanthocarpus).

spider made powder mixed
with the powder dust of
Durba (Cynodon dactyl on).
To be orally taken and use

locally.

dharpur,
Patharprati rna

Order SCORPIONIDA
15. Heterometrus (Heterometrus) bengaiensis.. (Koch)
Habitat

Belongs to the family Scorpionidae; found under stone or log.

Mode of preparation of
Illcdicine

Uses/type of
disease

58. The Scorpions boiled with
mustard oil for 15 minutes.

Applied in the
case of sacral
Rheumatism
as massage
oil.

Name of the
tribes

Munda


Place

Nafargunj,
Basanti.

Districts

24-Parganas
(South)


14

Rec. zool. Surv. India. Occ. Paper No. 236

Mode of preparation of
nlcdicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

59. The cheliceral part of Applied in the Santhal

scorpions dried up made case of burning
powder; mixed with the stem Mixuration.
bark powder of ru Ie Khara
(Hygrophila spinosa ).

Ghunakhali,
Basanti.

24-Parganas
(South)

60. The thoracic part and

Lahiripur,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

te Isol1 dried up and made
powder, mixed with stem bark
po\vder of Akanda
(Calotropis gigantea), use
locally with mustard or N im
oil.

ApplieQ in the
case of
paralysis of
lower limb.


Santhal

16. Heterometrus (Srilanka metrus) servatus (Pocock)
flahital

Belongs to the falnily Scorpionidae. They are found under log or bricks/stone

etc.
Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

Place

Districts

te Ison part In the case of Oraon
powdered~ mixed with leaf insect bite even
JUIce of Drona (Leucus snakebite.
aspera). To be used locally
on affected part.

Bipradaspur,
Gosaba.

24 -P arganas
(South)


62. The scorpion powder

61

Name of the
tribes

On Iy

111ixed with the stem bark
powder of Arjuna
(TerJ71 inalia Glillna).

6~.

The scorpion dust mixed
\vith seed dust of Sephalika

(Nyclan/hes arbor-Iris/is).

Applied in the
case of
Cardiac
troubles,
Angina
pectoris, etc.

Munda


Amlamethi,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)

Applied in the
case Sciatica.

Oraon

Kuminnari,
Gosaba

24-Parganas
(South)


MAJUMDER AND DEY: Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ...

U~B.,

India

15

Class INSECTA
Order COLEOPTERA
17. Coccinella transversalis Fabricius


Habitat: Belongs to the family Coccinellidae called lady bird beettle, very small in size
usually found in flower and vegetable garden.
Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

64. The beettles dried up in
the sun, made powder, mixed
with 10 drops of milky juice
or glue of Shweta Akanda

Taken in the
case of
Hydrophobia.

Munda

Amtali,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

65. Beettle powder mixed wit
substance
of
sticky
Bharanda (Jatropha indica),

use locaJly on gum.

Applied for
Toothache.

Munda

Uchal,
Minakhan.

24-Parganas
(North)

66. Beettle dust mixed with
Nim seed oil (Azadirachta
indica), use locally on
affected parts.

Appli~d

on
the wrist in
case of
Rheumatism.

Santhal

Baramollakhali,
Gosaba


24-Parganas
(South)

67. Beettle dust mixed with
Tomato juice (Solemul11

Applied for
nerve debility

Munda

Hemnagar,
Hingalgunj

24-Parganas
(North)

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

(Calotropis lactum).

lyopercicllIJl ).

18. Harmonia arcuata Fabricius
Habitat Belongs to the family Coccinellidae called lady bird beettle; small in size, usually


found in flower and vegetable garden.
Mode of preparation of
luedicine

Uses/type of
disease

68. The beettle collected and
dried up made powder and
nlixed with Chirata dust

Applied in the
case of
Gastritis and
loss of
Appetite.

(Gentiana chirata).

Name of the
tribes

Munda

Place

Kuminnari,
Gosaba.


Districts

24-Parganas
(South)


Rec. zool. Surv. India, Dcc. Paper No. 236

16

Place

Districts

Chingrikhali,
Hingalgunj.

24-Parganas
(North)

Applied in
Santhal
Dyspeps ia and
Constipation.

Bipradaspur,
Gosaba.

24- P arganas
(South)


Used in case
of Renal
calculi and
burning
mixuration.

Rangabelia,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

l\1ode of preparation of
nledicine

Uses/type of
disease

69. Beettle dust mixed with
leaf juice of Kalka sundi
(Cassia sophera).

Applied in the
case of
Asthma.

70. Beettle powder mixed with
dust of Bel fruit (Aegle
IIlarlne/os ).


71 Beettle dust mixed with

leaf juice of Patharkuchi
(Co/ells arolnaticus).

Name of the
tribes

Oraon

Santhal

19. Micraspis .discolor (Fabricius)
Habitat Belongs to the family Coccinellidae; called lady dung beettle; found in vegetable

and flower garden.
Mode of preparation of
Inedicine

Uses/type of
disease

72. The beettle dried up in

Taken for
Haemoptysis.

Santhal


Satjelia,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

Oraon

seed powder of Titpolla
(Ll!tfa aI11ara).

Applied In
case of
Hiccough.

Hemnagar,
Hingalgunj.

24-Parganas
(North)

74. Beettle dust Inixed with
leaf juice of Vasaka (Justicia

Taken for
Dysuria.

Munda

Radhanagar,

Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

Applied In
case of
Dyspepsia.

Santhal

Angabelia,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

the sun, made powder, mixed
\vith stein bark dust of
Ashwattha (Ficus religiosa).
73. Beettle dust mixed with

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

adhatoda).


75. Beettle dust Inixed with
leaf JUice of Thankuni
(Hydrocofy/e asiatica).


MAJUMDER AND DEY: Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ... WB., India

17

20. Mylabris pllalerata (Pallas)
Habitat: This beettle generally called as Spanish fly belonging to the family Meloid(:le;

found in mangrove and semimangrove bushes of Sundarbans.
Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

76. The beettle dried up in
the sun and made powder,
mixed with the bark juice of

Kalo
Jam
(Syzygium
;ambolanum)
In
the
proportion 1 : 9.

Applied for
chronic
dysentery

Santhal

Jharkhali,
Basanti.

24-Parganas
(South)

77. The beettle powder mixed
with the leaf juice of
Patharkuchi
(Coleus
aromaticus). To be taken
orally.

Applied in the
case of Renal
Calcul i and

retention of
unne

Oraon

Satjelia,
Gosaba.

24-Parganas
(South)

78. Beettle dust mixed with
milk juice or glue of Shweta
Akanda (Calotropis lactum).

Applied in the
case of
Hydrophobia.

Munda

Uchal,
Minakhan.

24-Parganas
(North)

79. Beettle dust mixed with
leaf juice of Bel fruit (Aeg/e
folia).


Applied in the
case of
Impotence.

Munda

Nafargunj,
Basanti.

24-Parganas
(South)

21. Mylabris pustulata (Thunberg)
Habitat: This insect generally called spanish fly belonging to the family Meloidae; found

both in mangrove· and semi mangrove bushes of Sundarbans.
Mode of preparation of
medicine

80. The insect dried up and
powdered; mixed with root
bark powder of Akanda
(Calotropis gigantes).

Uses/type of
disease

Applied for
ulcerative

Colitis.

Name of the
tribes

Oraon

Place

Kathaberia,
Basanti.

Districts

24-Parganas
(South)


Rec. zoo!. Surv. India, Occ. Paper No. 236

18

Districts

Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease


81. Insect dust mixed with
root powder of Patal

Applied for
retention and
suppression
of urine.

Santhal

Masjitbari,
Basanti.

24-Parganas
(South)

82. Insect dust mixed with
bark dust of Asoka tree
(Saraca indica). To be taken
once in a day.

Applied In
case of
Leucorrhoea.

Munda

lharkhali,
Basanti.


24-Parganas
(South)

83. Insect dust mixed with
honey use locally on affected
part.

Applied In
case of bums.

Oraon

Kaliaghata,
Namkhana.

24-Parganas
(South)

84. Insect dust mixed· with
root dust of Drona (Leucus
aspera). Use locally on
affected part.

Applied on
Carbuncle.

Santhal

G Plot,
Patharpratima


24-Parganas
(South)

(Trichosanthes dioica). To be
taken orally once in a day.

Name of the
tribes

Place

22. Luciola Sp.
Habitat: This sparking insect belongs to the family Lampyridae; distributed in mangrove

and semi mangrove bushes and are also found in vegetable garden.

,

Mode of preparation of
Inedicine

Uses/type of
disease

85. The insect collected and
pushed into the ripe banana
(Musa sepientum). To be
taken orally at alternate day.


Applied in the
case of night
blindness.

Santhal

Sridharpur,
Patharpratima

24-,' arganas
(South)

86. The insect dried and made
into powder mixed with leaf
dust of Akanda (Calotropis

Applied in
case of
obesity,
decrease flesh
and cured
night
blindness.

Oraon

B udhakhali,
Namkhana.

24-Parganas

(South)

gigantea).

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts


MAJUMDER AND DEY: Studies on some enthnomedicinal arachnids ... WB'J India

Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

87. The insect powder mixed

Applied in
case of
intestinal
Colic; all kind
of camplain of
Gall stone,
Dysentery,
Diarrhoea.


with root dust of Ash sheora
(Atista indica). Taken orally
thrice in a day.

Name of the
tribes

Munda

19

Place

Districts

BeguakbaJi,
Sagar Islands.

24-Parganas
(South)

Order HYMENOPTERA
23. Ocecophy//a smaragdina (Fabricius)

Habitat: This type of ant generally called Nasha pipra as the local name; belongs to the
family Formicidae. They prepare their nest in the mango tree and lay their eggs.
Mode of preparation of
medicine


Uses/type of
disease

88. The eggs of the ant

Applied in the
case of
Whooping
cough.

Place

Districts

Munda

'Hirambag
palpour,
Partharpratima

24-Parganas
(South)

Munda

and made it powder mixed
with leaf juice of Tulsi
(Ocimllm sanctum). To be
taken one teaspoonful dai lYe


Applied in the
case of
Coryza and
nasal
obstruction.

Deubari,
Kultali.

24-Parganas
(South)

90. Ant powder mixed with
leaf dust of Tulsi (Ocimum
sanctum) use locally with

Applied in the
case of
Ringworm.

Draon

lalaberia,

24-Parganas
(South)

Applied in the
case of
Eczema on

nose.

Santhal

collected, milky juice of the
egg were extracted and mxed
with few drops of honey.
89. Whole of the ant dried

I

Name of the
tribes

Kultali.

litnewater on affected part.
91. Ant dust mixed with leaf
dust of Tulsi (Ocimum
sanctum) use locally with
honey on affected part.

Jharkhali,
Basanti.

24-Parganas
(South) ,


20


Rec. zool. Surv. India, Occ. Paper No. 236

24. Tetraponera rufonigra (Jerdon)
Habitat: This ant generally called Mazali as local name, belongs to the family Formicidae;
ground dweller as well as bark of the trees. They can be co1Jected from the bark of the

Tree

or on tfie gruullu.

Mode of preparation of
medicine

Uses/type of
disease

Name of the
tribes

Place

Districts

92. The ants dried up and
powdered mixed with the root
dust of Akanda (Calotropis
gigantea). Use locally on the
affected part with N im or
Mustard oi I.


Applied in
case of
recurnng
Gout and
Rheumatism.

Santhal

Chhottomollakhali,
Gosaba.

24 .. Parganas
(South)

93. The insect dust mixed
\vith bark dust of Arjuna
(Ter111inalia arjuna). To be
taken orally.

Applied in the
case of
Cardiac
troubles viz.,
Angina
pectoris,
Myocardial
infection, etc.

Oraon


Caital,
Minakhan.

24-Parganas
(North)

94. The insect dust mixed
with the leaf juice of Pathar
kuchi (Coleus aronlaticus).

Applied in the
case of Renal
Calculi or
burning
mixuration
and
suppressed
unne.

Santhal

Dakhin
Roypur,
Partharpratima.

24- Parganas
(South)

95. The insect dust mixed

\vith leaf juice of Vasaka
(Justicia adhatoda). To be
taken orally.

Applied In
initial stage of
Tuberculosis.

Santhal

Sambhunagar,
Gosaba.

24- Parganas
(South)